La Piazza Press

La Piazza Press is our newsletter that we use to keep everyone informed of our progress as missionaries with Saint's Equipped to Evangelize in Valvasone, Italy.  Our vision is to see the piazzas (town squares) filled with evangelical Christians.  Would you be willing to share in that vision?  If so, please click the Subscribe button above to receive our newsletter.  For more information, you can visit our website at www.littlesitaly.com

Ministry Highlights - April 18, 2009

March was a great month of ministry. We hosted two spring evangelism teams, one from Corban College in Salem Oregon, the other from Village Christian Academy in Fayetteville, NC.  Both teams distributed tracts, did park ministry, and performed mimes, all in support of our church plant.  The high school team from Fayetteville was also an outstanding choral group. Because of their talent, we were able to open up a new area of outreach...retirement homes, "Casa de Riposo".  When the group sang, oh how those elderly Italian faces lit up.  Even the staff enjoyed the songs.  Some were in Italian and they even did an Italian Opera piece. During the week, we traveled to a sister church about 3 hours away to perform music and mimes for the church family there and their guests.  The church enjoyed them so much that at the conclusion, Pastor Marco asked if they could return next year. On another evening we held a Christian concert at Saints Bible Institute.  The high school group sang, shared testimonies, and performed mimes.  A clear gospel presentation was presented at the end.  We had 27 of our ESL students attend.  This gave us a great opportunity to discuss our beliefs the following week in classes.  They were all amazed that young people could be so in love with Jesus.  Several parents stated that they wished their children were as enthusiastic about God as these kids were. We praise God as we see him moving in our midst.

An additional blessing came from Village Christian Academy.  They restocked most of the essentials for our Thanksgiving Day outreach by purchasing many needed canned goods while they were here. What a blessing! 

All in all it was a great time of ministry!  Our church planters received several calls from the tracts, made some new contacts, and reinforced a few old ones.   The Lord blessed us with good weather and very capable and willing servants.

Women’s Bible Study Update

We must brag about God else the Rocks will cry out!  We started a Ladies Bible study on Esther in March.  We have 6 women coming every Monday, 4 Italians and 2 Americans.  Initially we told them that it would be a 4 week study as we were afraid they wouldn't commit for longer.  After week two, they started asking if we would extend it as we do a chapter a week and Esther has 10 chapters.  So, of course we agreed.  We just finished chapter 4, an amazing chapter.  I print out one chapter every week, so they don't know how the story ends.  They are chomping at the bit for the next chapter each week.  Amazzzzzing!  God is so at work in this group.  I could write a three page email if I was to share it all.  Suffice it to say that we're enjoying watching God do his thing!  The most exciting thing that happened last Monday was at the conclusion of the Bible Study, I asked if someone other than myself would close in prayer.  After a minute of silence, Clara said she would pray....and she did an awesome job.  This is major as they have told us they have no idea how to pray other than the rosary. 

Our prayer for this Bible study is that at its conclusion these women will know and feel comfortable praying directly to "The Great I Am".  Will you pray with us?

Personal Highlights

We finally received are Italian health cards and just in the nick of time as Maureen had a bad sinus infection.  She went to the doctor and got 2 prescriptions.  Total cost?  $13.50  Ahhh, we love Italy!  Our daughter Brittney and her husband, Stephen, are coming to visit us in May.  This is the first time family has been here and we are so excited!  Our son-in-law is an avid soccer fan and plans to go to two AC Milan games while here.  Brittney plans to enjoy the shopping.  And we will enjoy watching them!

April/May Schedule

Our ESL semester will be ending April 30th.  We will be holding graduation celebrations in both Udine and Valvasone.  Sam Spatola will be presenting a gospel message at each event.  Please pray for open hearts.  We will be holding a May Day picnic for all our students and our church plant on May 1.  This a great follow up event the day after Sam's presentation of the gospel.

Support Update

Oh how we wish we could report better results in our fund raising efforts.  The U.S. economy continues to affect our financial supporters and us.  We are  at 76% of our monthly need.  Our short fall is $1,173.  Please pray that the Lord will provide additional monthly support for us and financial help for our supporters. 

To become a part of our financial support team, make your check payable to Saints Equipped to Evangelize.  Put our names on the memo line and indicate whether it is a special or monthly gift.  All contributions are tax deductible.  Mail your check to:  

S.E.E. - P.O. Box 587 - Bradenton, FL - 34206-0587

Praises and Prayers